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  Be Patient: Trusting Divine Timing By Desalegn Terecha Patience is a universal virtue extolled across religious traditions, philosophical schools, and secular wisdom. From the Bible’s assurances of God’s providence to Islamic teachings on steadfastness, from Hindu and Buddhist injunctions against attachment to Stoic practices of equanimity, countless voices have counseled waiting with trust and perseverance. This article examines traditional quotes, proverbs, and philosophies that affirm why sometimes we must wait longer for a greater blessing, weaving together insights from Judeo-Christian, Islamic, Eastern, and Stoic thought. Introduction: The Challenge of Waiting Waiting can feel like a trial—an uncertain stretch of time filled with anxiety and impatience. Yet many traditions teach that this very interval holds purpose and promise. By examining time-honored sayings and philosophical reflections, we can uncover why patience is more than passive delay: it is an ...

  Symbols of Growth: Five Inspirational Stories and Their Deeper Meaning Symbols of Growth: Five Inspirational Stories and Their Deeper Meaning Across cultures and centuries, simple objects—seeds, lanterns, sculptures, rivers, and canvases—have carried profound lessons about perseverance, guidance, imperfection, journey, and collaboration. In these five narratives, each symbol becomes a mirror, reflecting our own capacity to endure hardship, light the way, embrace flaws, navigate life’s currents, and create something greater together. As you explore these tales, notice which image resonates most deeply—and how its lesson might illuminate your path forward. 1. The Gardener and the Winter Seed When Amina planted wawa seeds in November’s frost, neighbors scoffed that nothing would sprout until spring. Yet come April, her seedlings burst through the ice—stronger than any summer-planted crop. The lesson? True growth often begins in our coldest seasons, hidden be...

  Tigist Assefa: From “You Can’t Run” to Women-Only Marathon World Record Tigist Assefa’s Odyssey: From “You Can’t Run” to a Women-Only Marathon World Record On April 27, 2025, Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa transformed a message of despair into one of triumph, surging to a 2:15:50 finish at the TCS London Marathon and shattering the women-only world record by 26 seconds . Years earlier, doctors had warned her that “even walking or running might be impossible”—a prognosis she refused to let define her. Instead, she declared, “Running is a gift from the Creator and my Mother; I won’t give it up. I can do it. I will run,” and ultimately rewrote history on the streets of London. Symbolic Messages for Personal Development Her journey embodies the core truth that every setback can become a stepping-stone when met with perseverance. From physical limitation to world-record performance, Tigist shows us that the mind’s belief can ignite real transformation in...

  Resilience on the Brink: Navigating Sub-Saharan Africa’s “Recovery Interrupted” Resilience on the Brink: Navigating Sub-Saharan Africa’s “Recovery Interrupted” Sources: IMF Regional Economic Outlook, April 2025 [1] , Reuters, 25 Apr 2025 [2] Executive Summary Sub-Saharan Africa’s nascent rebound (4.0 % growth in 2024) has been derailed by rising global borrowing costs, weaker demand, and softer commodity prices [1] . Growth is now forecast at 3.8 % in 2025—a downward revision from 4.2 %—with large divergences between oil exporters and diversified economies [2] . The IMF highlights three pillars to restore momentum: (1) domestic revenue mobilization, (2) prudent macro-fiscal management, and (3) deep structural reforms [1] . 1. Introduction: From Hard-Won Gains to New Headwinds After four years of navigating the pandemic shock and commodity bust, Sub-Saharan Africa achieved stronger macro stability—headline inflation fell to a medi...

  How to Truly Support Someone With Depression: Understanding, Compassion, and Presence How to Truly Support Someone With Depression: Understanding, Compassion, and Presence Depression is one of the most misunderstood conditions in our world today. While nearly every person has heard of it, far fewer understand what it actually feels like, let alone how to be supportive when someone they care about is going through it. If you’ve ever been close to someone struggling with depression, you might have felt helpless or unsure of what to say or do. That’s completely normal. But here’s the truth: just being there, offering quiet support, and withholding judgment can be one of the most noble and powerful things you ever do. Understanding Depression: More Than Just Sadness “Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, lik...

  Your Personal Time Zone Summary: Our experience of time is both biological and spiritual. Scripture affirms that “to everything there is a season” ( Ecclesiastes 3:1 ) and reminds us that “my times are in your hand” ( Psalm 31:15 ). By aligning our daily rhythms with God’s clock—through rest, prayerful reflection, and wise stewardship of our hours—we resist the modern impulse to live by everyone else’s urgency. Cultivating awareness of our God-given chronotype, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing patience reflect both sound psychology and deep faith. When we remember that “the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise” ( 2 Peter 3:9 ), we can stay calm and grounded, trusting that His timing ultimately guides our steps ( Proverbs 16:9 ). 1. Understanding Your Personal Time Zone 1.1 Biological Rhythms and Chronotypes Our bodies follow circadian rhythms—natural 24-hour cycles of alertness and rest. Some are “morning larks,” others “night owls,” yet ea...

Fresh Starts, Lasting Change: How to Harness the Magic of New Beginnings Fresh Starts, Lasting Change: How to Harness the Magic of New Beginnings Human beings are hardwired to find hope in fresh starts. Temporal landmarks—like the start of a week, month, or year—create a psychological break from past failures and fuel optimism about the future. However, that initial burst of motivation often fades unless supported by deliberate strategies. Understanding the Fresh Start Effect The Fresh Start Effect occurs when meaningful temporal landmarks give us psychological distance from past mistakes, boosting motivation to set and pursue new goals. Studies show people are more likely to adopt healthier behaviors, set ambitious objectives, and exert greater effort immediately following such landmarks. To leverage this effect, consciously mark your chosen landmark—whether it’s a birthday, new quarter, or even a random ...

Customer-Centric Profitability: Insights from Seven Business Classics Customer-Centric Profitability: Insights from Seven Business Classics In an era of fierce competition and rapidly shifting consumer expectations, profit follows only after genuine customer value has been delivered. Drawing on timeless lessons from seven landmark business books, this article shows you how to make products people truly want, prioritize customer satisfaction over the founder’s ego, and sustainably expand your customer base in a global marketplace. 1. The Lean Startup: Build–Measure–Learn Eric Ries’s Lean Startup framework emphasizes deploying a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to validate core hypotheses directly with customers. By iterating through a rapid build–measure–learn cycle, teams avoid wasting resources on unwanted features and focus only on what drives real value. ...

  What the Mountain Bottom Teaches: Lessons Beyond the Summit True wisdom often lies not at the pinnacle of achievement but in the valleys of adversity, where challenges refine our character, deepen our insight, and reveal strengths we never knew we had. Across traditions—from Stoic philosophy to Eastern mindfulness to existential psychology—timeless insights converge on one principle: comfort may feel safe, but it is the crucible of hardship that molds resilience and purpose. By embracing obstacles as opportunities, we cultivate flexibility, empathy, and an unshakable sense of meaning that a mere summit view could never provide. The Necessity of Struggle for True Growth Comfort alone cannot develop the depth of character we often admire in others; it is through trials that our ambition is inspired and our vision becomes clear 0. Only by navigating hardship do we temper our resolve and strengthen the soul agains...

Choose Your Circle Wisely Choose Your Circle Wisely: The Power of the Company You Keep Have you ever paused to reflect on the people you spend most of your time with? The friends you call, the colleagues you lean on, the family members you confide in—each of them plays a role in shaping who you are and who you are becoming. The energy and attitudes of those around us either elevate or diminish our potential. If we want to grow, thrive, and live purposeful lives, we must be intentional about the company we keep. People Are Mirrors Those closest to us often reflect what we allow, tolerate, and prioritize. Positive people mirror our strengths, while toxic people highlight our insecurities. The choice is ours. The Right People Bring Out the Best in You Supportive people remind us of our value, challenge us to grow, and stay present through life’s ups and downs. They amplify our purpose. ...

  Purpose-Powered Habits & Greek Wisdom: Transform Tiny Actions into Monumental Impact Purpose-Powered Habits & Greek Wisdom: Transform Tiny Actions into Monumental Impact Human greatness springs from a union of deep purpose and consistent practice. Greek philosophers called this union arete —excellence through virtue and action. In our modern world, thinkers like Viktor Frankl, James Clear, Daniel Kahneman, Dale Carnegie, Eckhart Tolle, and Marcus Aurelius offer timeless wisdom on how tiny, intentional habits grounded in meaning create extraordinary change. The Core Insight: Telos Meets Practice “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.” – Aristotle Greek philosophy teaches that the telos —your ultimate purpose—must guide life. Purpose-Powered Habits reveals how to operationalize deep meaning through deliberate, consistent micro-actions. 1. Find Your Why, Fuel Your Way Greek Parallel: Aristotle’s Eudaimonia Eudaim...

The Deeper Meaning of Easter: Rising Above Toxic Workplaces The Deeper Meaning of Easter: Rising Above Toxic Workplaces Easter is more than a religious holiday; it is a powerful symbol of transformation, endurance, and rebirth. While traditionally rooted in Christian theology celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter carries universal lessons—especially for those striving in the shadows of narcissistic and toxic workplaces. It whispers a message of hope to the brokenhearted, the betrayed, the unappreciated. For those who endure silent battles, this season invites reflection, healing, and personal resurrection. 1. Passion and Purpose: The Road to Fulfillment The word "Passion" stems from the Latin *passio*, meaning suffering. Christ’s journey—from betrayal to crucifixion—was fueled by an unshakeable sense of mission. For those in emotionally draining work environments, this serves as a reminder: staying aligned with your deeper “why” gives ...

Ancient Jewish Economic Thought: Lessons for Today's Competitive World Ancient Jewish Economic Thought: Lessons for Today's Competitive World In an era characterized by intense competition, individualism, and moral ambiguity, revisiting ancient wisdom can provide invaluable insights. Ancient Jewish economic thought, rooted in ethical monotheism and communal responsibility, offers principles that remain relevant for addressing contemporary societal challenges. 1. The Divine Image and Human Creativity The foundational belief that humans are created in the image of God ( Genesis 1:27 ) implies that individuals are endowed with creativity and responsibility. This perspective encourages productive labor and innovation, viewing work as a form of divine partnership. The Talmud emphasizes that one who benefits from their own labor is esteemed, highlighting the value placed on self-reliance and industriousness. 2. Sanctity of Private Property and Eth...

  The Role of Behavioral Economics in Consumer Spending Desalegn Terecha The Role of Behavioral Economics in Consumer Spending Consumer spending is a crucial driver of economic growth and plays a pivotal role in shaping market trends. Traditional economic theory assumes that consumers make rational decisions based on available information and their preferences. However, the field of behavioral economics challenges this assumption, suggesting that psychological factors significantly influence consumer behavior and economic decisions. In this article, we will explore how psychological factors such as biases, emotions, and social influences shape consumer spending patterns. Understanding these factors can provide valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and consumers alike. What is Behavioral Economics? Behavioral economics is a field that blends psychology and economics to study how emotional, cognitive, and social ...

Understanding Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and 2025 Country Rankings Understanding Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and 2025 Country Rankings By Desalegn Terecha Have you ever wondered why a cup of coffee costs less than a dollar in Ethiopia but over $5 in some U.S. cities? Or why your money can stretch further in some countries than others? These differences in cost of living across the globe are what Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) helps explain. In today’s global economy, understanding how much your money can buy in different countries isn’t just useful for travelers and economists—it’s critical for businesses, investors, and policymakers alike. This article explores what PPP really is, how it's measured, and how countries stack up globally in 2025 using this metric. What is Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)? Purchasing Power Parity is an economic theory and a practical tool that compares the relative value of currencies based on what ...